Dosing Device and System

Abstract

A dosing device or system for dispensing tablets, which can include at least one active ingredient for an automatic washing process, into an automatic washing machine, wherein the dosing device or system is for dispensing one or more, but not all, of the tablets at once into the automatic washing machine, and wherein the dosing device or system can be for dispensing only one tablet at once.

Description

[0001]The present invention relates to a dosing device or system. The invention especially relates to a dosing device or system for reliably dispensing tablets of active ingredient into an automatic washing machine, such as a dishwasher or a laundry washing machine, multiple times over multiple washing cycles.BACKGROUND RELATING TO THE PRIOR ART[0002]Most commercially available domestic dishwashers have a detergent dispenser which the consumer loads with a single dose of detergent before each wash program. However, a developing area of interest in this field has been the provision of a means to store multiple doses of detergent and deliver them automatically during each successive wash program.[0003]Devices that have been previously disclosed in this area generally fall into the categories of “machine-independent” or “machine-dependent”. Machine-independent devices are ones which are not physically connected to the dishwasher's electronics or powered directly by its power source. Th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text claims that the distance between the wheel and the inlet opening is maximized when the wheel is in its first position, while the distance between the wheel and the output opening is maximized when the wheel is in its second position. This means that the wheel is designed to optimally separate from the inlet and output openings, creating better performance and efficiency in the vehicle.

Problems solved by technology

On the other hand, in order to trigger a dosing step at the appropriate time, they should be designed to respond to sensed parameters of the wash, such as heat, turbidity, etc., which does not always provide a very accurate control mechanism.

This can lead to more accurate control of when dosing takes place, but brings its own constraints on device design.

For instance, a convenient, accessible location to connect such a device is in the door of the dishwasher, but there is limited space in this area, so more attention should be paid to making this type of device as compact and slim as possible.

However, not all active ingredients can be suitably provided in a liquid composition, whereas powders are liable to suffer from dispensing issues due to moisture intake from the humid washing environment, e.g. swelling or becoming sticky, especially when stored in a container inside an automatic washing machine.

This is a particular challenge for tablets having a flat face, whilst spherical ones can be more difficult to manufacture.

Both these devices are bulky and awkward to manufacture; attempts to decrease their size have led to increasing jamming issues.

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